Visual analog scale and beck depression inventory assessing the clinical correlation of backache with depression

Aim: Patients with chronic pain mostly suffer from additional psychiatric condition especially depression. The aim of this study is to determine a relation between depression and backache. Methods: We conducted a study between January 2015 and November 2015 at a tertiary care hospital in Islamabad, Pakistan. The study included 165 adult patients (≥20 years) with backache and were interviewed at the neurosurgery clinic. Visual analog scale (VAS) and Beck depression inventory (BDI) scores were analyzed. Results: According to VAS, 11.5% patients had mild, 67.2% patients had moderate, and 21.8% patients had severe backache. A striking difference in the frequency of depression was observed between the genders, 67.8% in females compared to 32.2% in males. BDI scores showed 12.1% normal, 13.9% mild, 3% borderline, 26% moderate, 24.8% severe, and 19.3% extreme depression. A statistically significant correlation was observed between severity of backache and depression (P < 0.003). Conclusion: A high number of patients suffering from backache also demonstrated mild to extreme depression. We recommend screening for depression among these patients to achieve a better treatment outcome.